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Every August Long Weekend, the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) in Steinbach hosts Pioneer Days – an event filled with food, demonstrations, and family fun for everyone. And this year is no exception!
See the full schedule at https://mennoniteheritagevillage.com/event/pioneer-days-2024/.
With 2024 marking the 150th anniversary of Mennonite’s arrival in Manitoba, for this year’s Pioneer Days, the MHV is taking a closer look at this significant event.
“Mennonites arrived in Manitoba in late August 1874, and it wasn’t long before they were plunged into one of the harshest winters that we have on record. Their neighbours provided them with food and help building lodging, so it was a very important relationship that they initially had, which was lost over time – so we are recognizing that with a film premiere, exhibit opening, and Red River cart journey,” says Nathan Dyck, Development Coordinator at the MHV.
“Friday evening we're premiering a new film about Mennonite arrival in Manitoba, called Where the Cottonwoods Grow, by filmmaker Dale Hildebrand,” shares Dyck. “The film tells stories that haven't been told much in the past – how Mennonite settlers relied on Métis and indigenous communities in the area. The film is not complete just yet, so we’re showing the first 25 minutes. The premiere is Friday at 7:00 PM, and then it will be shown Saturday at 3:00 PM, Sunday at 5:00 PM, and Monday at 3:00 PM.”
The MHV will have a new exhibit opening just in time for Pioneer Days, titled Mennonite Reflections: Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago.
“The exhibit features many incredible artifacts, not only from our collection, but also the Manitoba Museum, and from private collections,” says Dyck. “You’ll see a number of Métis and indigenous artifacts in the exhibit as well. It's a fascinating collection of stories and material culture from not only early Mennonites, but also the peoples who helped them when they arrived.”
Saturday morning, Armand and Kelly Jerome will be recreating a Red River cart experience, traveling on foot, ending at the village semlin (sod hut), to acknowledge the assistance Métis communities provided to the first Mennonites to arrive here on what was then called the East Reserve (today the Rural Municipality of Hanover).
“The journey will begin at Integrity Ventures, one mile north of the MHV. You’ll be able to walk alongside the Red River cart as it makes its journey along the service road to the MHV where we’ll have a welcome ceremony. And then throughout the rest of the long weekend, the Jeromes will be sharing their stories and knowledge.”
All weekend long, there will be great entertainment for the whole family, says Dyck.
“Saturday afternoon, we have Cold Hard Cash right around 12. Then Sleepy the Clown kids show at 2:00, and the Jakebrakes at 3:30.”
“Sunday the Anola Jam Group will be bringing a bunch of people for a jam session at 12:45. Then at 2:30 we’ll see The Magical Odyssey of Ken Sky. At 3:00, there will be a Saengerfest featuring the Eastman Choral Association with Lin Wiebe conducting. Then at 4:00, a Plautdietsch variety show!”
“Monday at noon we have The Cracked Eggshell; that band is always a big hit. Ken Sky returns with his Magical Odyssey. And then at 3:30, David Graham will be performing.”
Kids also really love the petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and barrel train rides. In addition to having a chance to practice their skills at some of the pioneer demonstrations, such as rope making.
You’ll also be able to explore your family history with genealogy experts in the Village Centre, take guided tours of the outdoor village, go on horse-drawn wagon rides.
The iconic windmill will be in action for the event, too – grinding wheat into flour that is used to bake the fresh bread available for purchase at the Livery Barn Restaurant. You’ll also find this 100% whole wheat available for sale on-site and occasionally at the Village Books & Gifts shop.
When you show up for Pioneer Days, be sure to bring your appetite! The MHV pulls out all the stops when it comes to culinary Mennonite delights.
“The waffle booth will be serving up the MHV’s famous fire-baked waffles with white sauce, which are always a hit,” notes Dyck. “Get there early if you can.”
Next to the waffle booth, you’ll find a window where the Auxiliary will be selling fresh rollkuchen and watermelon, another iconic food pairing, on both Saturday and Monday.
“Of course, the Livery Barn Restaurant will be open for Pioneer Days,” adds Dyck. “It’s a great way to enjoy traditional Russian Mennonite food like vereniki, farmer sausage, and schmauntfatt.”
Dyck notes that the Livery Barn Restaurant is open seven days a week, and highlights their popular Sunday lunch buffet from 11:30 to 2:30 (though the buffet will not be offered during Pioneer Days). To see the menu, visit https://mennoniteheritagevillage.com/livery-barn-restaurant-3/.
Fresh-baked schnetje with rhubarb jam (made from rhubarb that grows on-site) will also be available for purchase at the Summer Kitchen, in the gorgeous garden next to the historic Chortitz Housebarn.
Festival favourites such as hot dogs, burgers, and fries will be available at the short order booth.
And everyone with a sweet tooth will be clamouring to purchase vintage candy at the ever-popular candy booth which will be operating at full capacity for the long weekend.
You won’t want to miss a second of Pioneer Days – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach – where visitors will discover what Mennonites experienced when they settled here in Steinbach 150 years ago.
Gates open Saturday at 9:00 AM, and by 10:00 AM Dyck says a lot of the demonstrations will be underway: baking bread in the outdoor oven, blacksmithing, saw-milling, printing in the print shop, and all manner of horse- and steam-powered activities.
Admission rates apply: adults $15, seniors & students $12, and kids $8 each.
“If you need to pay by card you’ll have to come in through the front entrance,” advises Dyck. “But if you bring cash, you can enter through one of the side gates – that's usually the fastest way in.”
To save families money, the MHV has introduced a new family day rate, which is $50 for two adults and all the kids in your household.
“You could also purchase a museum membership online ahead of time, which is a great deal,” notes Dyck. “Your membership will get you into the MHV for the year, and all the other Signature Museums in Manitoba.”
You can purchase your membership right now, online at https://mennoniteheritagevillage.com/.
